Swimsuit with Zipper

ABSTRACT

A highly supportive one-piece lady&#39;s swimsuit with a zippered component on the front side in the lower pelvic region that detaches the lower portion of the swimsuit from the upper torso section of the garment. The lower portion can then come unattached via a zipper containing a finger key ring pull, which allows the material to be swung down and out of the way for using the restroom and swung back and up where it is secured in place to present a fashionable and stylish swimsuit design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Women's swimwear has evolved over time and while women's swimwear may have originated for use in bathing spas, swimwear is now used for sunbathing as well as swimming. Starting with bloomers and stockings, swimwear migrated into one-piece style bathing suits. While one-piece bathing suits are popular because they accent body contours and provide minimum interference for swimmers, they nevertheless embody certain inherent problems and shortcomings. For example, putting on and taking off a tight fitting one-piece swimsuit can be quite a chore, particularly when the swimsuit is wet. Even more troublesome to many women who wear one-piece bathing suits is the requirement that the entire suit be removed when it is necessary to use the restroom. Not only can this be inconvenient at public beaches, swimming pools, and the like, the inherent difficulty in taking a wet swimsuit off and putting it back on in a crowded restroom can be uncomfortable, time-consuming and frustrating. A swimsuit designed to allow its wearer to use the restroom without removing the suit completely, yet still providing body contouring and support would thus be highly desirable.

Attempts to provide one-piece women's bathing suits with removable or displaceable crotch portions have been made. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,857,600 of G. C. Finn, discloses a women's bathing suit having a tubular body that extends below the crotch area to form a partial skirt. Beneath the skirt portion of the tubular body is a crotch piece that can be detached from beneath the skirt in the front of the bathing suit and swung back between the legs when it is necessary to use the restroom. While the configuration of the Finn suit appears to be a step in the right direction, it is nevertheless plagued with its own problems and shortcomings. In particular, when the wearer desires to go to the bathroom, she must raise the skirt portion, disconnect the snaps and release the end portion of the crotch piece from the band by disengaging the separable connecting elements. In addition, the crotch piece in Finn, along with its slider fastener elements, related buttons and snaps are unsightly and unfashionable, and thus must be covered with the skirt portion of the suit. This configuration requires numerous steps for the wearer that may be cumbersome and the specific design is antiquated since it is reliant on a skirt to conceal all of the fastening hardware.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,998 of Everett and Williams is a one-piece lady's swimsuit with an upper portion that covers the upper body and a displaceable lower portion that includes a crotch section for covering a wearer's crotch. The displaceable portion includes a relatively narrow crotch section that extends from the bottom of the back section and the crotch section gradually widens to define a front panel having long belt straps that project laterally from the front panel in opposite directions. The disadvantage with this specific suit is the use of belt straps, which are fastened to each other with hooks, being wrapped from the front of the wearer completely around her back and back to the front in order to secure the displaceable lower portion of the swimsuit. In addition, when the wearer of this swimsuit desires to use the restroom, she needs to untie the bow in the front of the suit or unsnap the hooks in the back, unwrap the belt straps from around her torso, and swing the displaceable portion of the suit rearward back between her legs. For replacing the displaceable portion, the wearer must swing the crotch panel back forwardly between her legs, pull the front panel up, re-wrap the belt straps, and re-tie the bow. Thus, this particular swimsuit is neither user-friendly, convenient nor easy to use or maneuver.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,308 of Herbener discloses an alternate solution. In Herbener, a seemingly one-piece swimsuit actually comprises of two pieces, a top piece and a bottom piece. The top piece is itself a complete one-piece suit that extends through the crotch area but is split in this area to allow access to the toilet. The bottom piece of the Herbener suit is a panty-like garment that fits over the bottom portion of the top piece and covers the split crotch area in normal use. Obviously, the suit disclosed in Herbener also has numerous problems. For example, even though the crotch portion of the upper part of the suit is split, it nevertheless can become soiled when its wearer uses the restroom. Furthermore, the design of the Herbener suit, like the Finn, does not lend itself to modern swimsuit fashion, which tends to be more revealing wherein the suit rides high on the hips.

Accordingly, a continuing and heretofore unaddressed need persists for a one-piece women's swimsuit that allows its wearer to use the restroom without having to remove the suit completely. At the same time, the configuration of the suit should be adaptable to modern, more revealing swimsuit fashion design while being equally as comfortable as a traditional one-piece swimsuit. A child's swimsuit version, a maternity configuration for use by pregnant women or a wetsuit design desired by surfers, and the like, would also be an option. It is to the provision of such, a swimsuit that the present invention is primarily directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to shapewear-inspired bathing garments and, more particularly, to one-piece swimwear capable of hugging the woman's curves, yielding a smooth body contour while also allowing the much needed function of using the restroom. This one-piece swimsuit comprises of a displaceable crotch panel that easily detaches from the upper torso of the swimsuit via a separating zipper sewn at the front lower pelvic region of the garment. When detached, the crotch panel is swung completely out of the way for simple, fast and efficient convenience when using the restroom. Since there are no snaps or other fasteners in the front of the suit, there is no need to provide an unfashionable skirt to cover the separating zipper component, although a skirt can be provided as a means to benefit the 2% of swimwear consumers who prefer a “swim dress” aesthetic. This invention will also have two hidden water-resistant pockets, one under each arm of the swimsuit, to securely hold small valuables, cosmetics or other accessories without affecting the integrity or overall aesthetic of the zippered swimsuit. In addition, the swimsuit with separating zipper is completely comfortable and, when worn, there appears to be no artistic difference between the suit of the present invention and any other modern, stylish swimsuit as the zipper component is seamlessly incorporated into the garment's overall aesthetic. The present invention will be further illustrated in the following examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a front view of the one-piece swimsuit with separating zipper closed

-   1 is the separating zipper component of the one-piece swimsuit in     FIG. 1A -   2 is the displaceable crotch panel of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG.     1A with separating zipper closed

FIG. 1B is a front view of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A when the separating zipper is fully unzipped

-   3 is the displaceable crotch panel of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG.     1A swung down -   4 is the zipper guard lining on the inside of the separating zipper     of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A

-   5 is a side view of the hidden, water-resistant pockets of the     one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A -   6 is the Spandex® panel and/or Performance Fabric Power Mesh inner     lining of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A -   7 is the custom-designed hook sewn on each side of the one-piece     swimsuit in FIG. 1A at the hip area -   8 is the key ring pull of the separating zipper component of the     one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A

FIG. 3A is a partial view of the lower portion of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A

-   9 is the direction of motion of the separating zipper for the     one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A

FIG. 3B is a partial view of the lower portion of the one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A with the separating zipper partially unzipped

-   10 exposes the separating zipper partially unzipped for the     one-piece swimsuit in FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention FIG. 1A, in one preferred embodiment thereof, comprises a one-piece women's swimsuit having an upper portion that covers the torso, two hidden pockets (one under each arm) 5 and a displaceable portion 2 that covers the lower pelvic region and extends between the wearer's legs 3, detaching via a zipper component 1 on the front side of the garment. The lower portion will become unattached via a separating zipper containing a finger key ring pull FIG. 1B, which allows the material to be swung down 3 and out of the way for using the restroom and swung forward and up where it is secured in place to present a functional, yet stylish swimsuit design.

The upper portion has a body-contouring section that covers the front of the wearer's torso and a back section that covers her back. A Spandex® panel and/or Performance Fabric Power Mesh 6 will be incorporated into the front and/or the back section of the garment, designed with powernet tummy control to minimize the midsection and provide a more shapely appearance. The uber stretchable Performance Fabric Power Mesh 6 is made up of at least 80% nylon and 20% Lycra. This combination makes the fabric sturdy and comfortably elastic which, like Spandex®, will pair well with a zipper component. As a result of the present invention a seamless, lightweight and very strong support structure which provides control in varied areas in order to lift and support the breasts, flatten the mid-section, and lift the buttocks is made available.

The displaceable portion of the suit 2 is integral with this invention and depends from the back section thereof. This displaceable portion includes a relatively narrow crotch section that extends from the bottom of the back section 3. The crotch section gradually widens to define a front panel that projects laterally from hip to hip. The separating zipper component 1 is sewn horizontally onto the front outer shell of the swimsuit, in the lower pelvic region, yielding the front detachable flap.

When the wearer of a swimsuit incorporating the principles of this invention desires to use the restroom, she simply pulls on the key ring pull with one finger and unzips the lower portion of the swimsuit 9. The key ring pull 8 is integral to the design of this invention as it not only serves as the hardware tab to easily maneuver the zipper, it also can hold the crotch panel out of the way while using the facilities since the key ring is secured on one's finger. Another functional aspect of the key ring pull is providing a place to hook a car or locker key if desired. When finished using the restroom, the process is reversed and the wearer simply swings the crotch panel back forwardly between her legs, pulls the front panel up, uses the hook 7 on the opposite end to connect and line up the zipper more easily, and zips the lower portion closed as normal. The suit is quickly and easily refastened without having to take off the entire suit, especially when wet. Thus, the present invention is fast, simple and easy to use and provides a freedom heretofore unheard of among women who wear one-piece swimsuits. Finally, the design of the present invention allows for a swimsuit that can ride high on the hips and thus present an appearance that is up-to-date, providing the illusion of elongating the legs and completely in accord with sometimes termed “French-cut” leg which meets modern fashion design standards.

The two hidden water-resistant pockets 5, one under each arm of the swimsuit, are sewn inside the suit placing the pockets immediately against the wearer's body to securely hold small valuables, cosmetics or other accessories without affecting the integrity or overall aesthetic of the zippered swimsuit. These hidden pockets 5 not only allow for clever access to valuables, the closed-cell Neoprene foam lining protects from damage, theft and loss and is water-resistant up to 200 feet.

In the rare off-chance of a zipper malfunction, two custom-designed hooks 7 will be discreetly incorporated to help secure the lower detachable portion of the swimsuit. These hooks 7, one sewn on each side of the swimsuit at the hip area, will slide vertically in and out of the adjoining slits accordingly so that if the separating zipper is left unzipped, the lower detachable portion is still held up and attached to the upper portion of the one-piece swimsuit. An inner lining of soft fabric 4, sewn on the backside of the zipper, will serve as a protective barrier between the skin of the wearer and the teeth of the zipper. This specific lining will prevent any accidental pinching of the skin by acting as a zipper guard 4 and also as an interface to help keep the zipper teeth and slider free of potential obstruction. Zippers reinforced with hook and eye closure 7 make it easier to put the garment on and operate the zipper component of the present invention. Garments that have a soft fabric (cotton is acceptable in this part of the garment) between the closures and the skin offer an added level of comfort.

The present invention is also particularly suited for use by pregnant women, who often need and desire to have a swimsuit that is easy to put on and take off while at the pool or beach. The maternity suit will not have the same level of Spandex® panel and/or Performance Fabric Power Mesh 6 as to allow for the medically necessary room of an expanding tummy, uterus and pelvis. The two side fastening hooks 7 will be especially beneficial here for holding the fabric while the zipper is opened and closed since the expectant woman may not be able to view her lower pelvic region during the late stages of her second and third trimester. There will also be a children's version of the swimsuit invention, absent of Performance Fabric Power Mesh 6, yet providing the same seamless function and ability for the wearer to use the restroom quickly by undoing swim ties/fasteners on both hips, sliding the separating zipper, and detaching the lower displaceable portion of the swimsuit invention in the similar fashion as described above.

Thus, a one-piece woman's swimsuit is now provided that resolves the problems and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a body-contouring swimsuit with an easily displaceable crotch section that can be detached and reattached with the simple use of a zipper. In addition, this revolutionized one-piece swimsuit is up-to-date, modern and functional while remaining fashionable, which is a common need and desire among many women. The suit of the present invention preferably is constructed via a three-layer fabric design appropriately patterned and sewn. The present invention is designed for a one-piece swimsuit that provides a comfortable, sculpturing support structure and a desired control of breasts, mid torso and buttocks without unnecessarily deforming these parts of the body. The all-over control of the fabric contours and slenderizes the body, delivers the highest level of support and coverage on top and provides a range of support and control functions within a single garment, while still allowing comfort and flexibility of the garment to the user. Accordingly, the suit is relatively simple and economical to produce and can be designed in a wide variety of styles and fashions to suit varying tastes. These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described as follows. The present invention has been described with regard to preferred embodiments; however, it is to be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. It will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein. 

We claim:
 1. A one-piece swimsuit having an upper portion that covers the torso and a displaceable portion that covers the lower pelvic region and extends between the wearer's hips, detaching via a zipper component on the front side of the garment; The lower portion can then come unattached via a separating zipper containing a finger key ring pull, which allows the material to be swung down and out of the way for using the restroom and swung back and up where it is secured in place to present a fashionable stylish swimsuit design.
 2. A one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1 and further comprising of panels of Spandex® and/or Performance Fabric Power Mesh, made up of at least 80% nylon and 20% Lycra, will be incorporated into the front and/or back section of the garment to pull the tummy in and provide body contouring, yielding a more shapely appearance; This combination makes the fabric sturdy and comfortably elastic which, like Spandex®, will pair well with a zipper component.
 3. A one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1 is also suited for use by children and pregnant women, who often need to have a suit that is easy to put on and take off while at the pool or the beach; The children's garment will not contain Spandex® or Performance Fabric Power Mesh; The maternity suit will not have the same level of Spandex® and/or Performance Fabric Power Mesh as specified in claim 2 to allow for the medically necessary room of an expanding uterus and pelvis; There may also be additional snaps and/or hooks to help guide and hold the fabric for the expectant woman who may not be able to view her lower pelvic region during the late stages of her second and third trimester.
 4. A one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1 and further comprising of a multi-functional key ring pull which will be attached as decorative hardware on the zipper; The key ring pull is integral to the design of this invention as it not only serves as the hardware to easily maneuver the zipper, it also holds the crotch panel out of the way while using the facilities since the key ring is secured on one's finger; Another functional aspect of the key ring pull is providing a place to hook a car or locker key, if desired.
 5. The displaceable portion of the one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1 is integral with this invention and depends from the back section thereof. This displaceable portion includes a relatively narrow crotch section that extends from the bottom of the back section. The crotch section gradually widens to define a front panel that projects laterally from hip to hip. The separating zipper component is sewn onto the front outer side of the swimsuit, in the lower pelvic region, yielding the front detachable flap.
 6. This one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1 will also have two hidden water-resistant pockets, one under each arm of the swimsuit, to securely hold small valuables, cosmetics or other accessories without affecting the integrity or overall aesthetic of the zippered swimsuit; These hidden pockets not only allow for clever access to valuables, the closed-cell Neoprene foam lining protects from theft and loss and is water-resistant up to 200 feet.
 7. In an alternate embodiment of the one-piece swimsuit as specified in claim 1, two custom-designed hooks will be discreetly incorporated to help secure the lower detachable portion of the swimsuit. These hooks, one sewn on each side of the swimsuit at the hip area, will slide vertically in and out of the adjoining slits accordingly so that if the separating zipper is left unzipped, the lower detachable portion is still held up and attached to the upper portion of the one-piece swimsuit. An inner lining of soft fabric, sewn on the backside of the zipper, will serve as a protective barrier between the skin of the wearer and the teeth of the zipper. This specific lining will prevent any accidental pinching of the skin by acting as a zipper guard and also as an interface to help keep the zipper teeth and slider free of potential obstruction. 